International Desk //

Student protests in France—sparked by grievances over the education system crisis, teacher shortages, dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and grueling class schedules—have increasingly turned violent. Demonstrations that began in the vicinity of Paris have spread to various cities across the country. Incidents involving blockades, vandalism, attempted arson, and clashes with the police have occurred in areas including Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Lille. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has held an inter-ministerial crisis meeting to bring the situation under control.

Due to the ongoing unrest, it was announced that over 400 educational institutions across the country would remain closed on Friday (October 2). Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that slightly more than 400 schools and other educational institutions would be shut, and remote learning arrangements would be made where in-person instruction is not possible.

The protests began late last week at several high schools in the Paris region. Students allege that many schools suffer from teacher shortages, overcrowding, and poor conditions regarding buildings and infrastructure. They are also expressing frustration over long class schedules and excessive academic pressure. Some students are also dissatisfied with university admission processes.

While the protests were initially peaceful, the situation escalated rapidly in several areas. Fires broke out at schools in Nantes and Rouen. In Marseille, teachers were assaulted after petrol was spilled in front of a school. A car was set ablaze in Strasbourg, and riot police clashed with protesters in Toulouse. Public transport services were also temporarily disrupted in various cities.

As the law-and-order situation deteriorated, a massive crackdown ensued. According to the French Interior Minister, approximately 2,000 people have been detained since the protests began (up to October 1), with about two-thirds of them held in police custody. Notably, 1,949 individuals were detained on October 1 alone. Consequently, rather than claiming “nearly three thousand” arrests, it is more accurate to state “approximately two thousand” based on current verified figures.

Reports indicate that a significant number of law enforcement personnel were also injured during the violence. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 305 police officers and gendarmes were injured in the clashes on October 1. Data from the Ministry of Education shows that 170 students and 65 education sector workers have also sustained injuries since the protests began.

Political debate surrounding the movement has also intensified. Government-linked sources have accused certain politicians from the left-wing party *La France Insoumise* (LFI) of inciting the protests. LFI lawmaker Louis Boyard has denied these allegations. While the LFI has expressed support for the peaceful nature of the protests, it has also criticized the conduct of the police.

A separate controversy has arisen regarding the role of Saint-Denis Mayor and LFI leader Bally Bagayoko. He met with the protesting students and expressed support for their demands. Allegations surfaced based on a circulating video that appeared to show him cheering near a fire. However, a fact-check by the French media outlet TF1 and a report by *Le Parisien* clarified that the circulated video was edited; the full footage did not show him starting the fire—on the contrary, it was claimed that he attempted to extinguish it.

Nevertheless, certain remarks made by Bagayoko have sparked a separate controversy. On September 29, while outside a blockaded high school, he commented that “violence can be legitimate” in the context of police conduct. He did not subsequently retract the statement. Following these remarks, the Paris Police Prefect reported him to judicial authorities on September 30 on charges of “incitement to commit a crime.” This constitutes a judicial report or complaint; there is no information indicating that he has been convicted of any offense.

Meanwhile, the government has stated that it intends to keep the door open for discussions regarding the students’ demands while simultaneously working to bring the situation under control. The Education Minister has announced plans to initiate talks with students, teachers, and relevant representatives. At the same time, security measures have been stepped up around closed educational institutions to control the protests.

The movement, which began with grievances regarding the education system and student discontent, has now escalated into a major public order crisis in France. While pressure mounts for negotiations concerning demands related to teachers and infrastructure, incidents of arson, vandalism, clashes with the police, and mass arrests have further complicated the situation. Protests continued across various parts of the country on Friday, and attention is now focused on the government’s next steps to bring the situation under control.

Share your opinion.